Ahead of the 2026 F1 Austrian GP, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen explained how the team is working towards returning to the front of the field, as they bring a substantial upgrade package to the race this weekend. For the four-time World Champion, the 2026 season has proved to be a difficult start, as the Dutchman currently sits 7th in the Drivers’ Standings with 55 points.
The new regulations have thrown a wrench into the order, as Red Bull currently find themselves as the fourth-best team on the grid and often lacking the pace to fight with frontrunners Mercedes and Ferrari. Speaking in a print media session on Thursday, Verstappen addressed the media and discussed the team’s ambitions for the upgrade package they have brought to the 2026 F1 Austrian GP.
“It’s just crucial. I think for us as a team. We want to just improve.”, the Dutchman said. “From where we started this season to where we want to end it, we know that we are lacking performance, so it’s more about just trying to improve the car. I think that’s what everyone wants.”
“Well, let’s see. It’s difficult to answer that right now. We don’t like to be the fourth best team, so we want to be better. That’s what we are working on at the moment.”
Barcelona proved that “there’s still a gap” to frontrunners
Despite Red Bull’s slow but steady gains on the rest of the field, Verstappen said: “Yeah, I mean that’s good. But those are, of course, also the easier steps to make when you are far behind. The hardest one is always the last one to really fight for the win. So yeah, let’s see how we can do that to be in that fight again, I’m not sure.”
With the team heading to its home race this weekend, the upgrades could prove crucial for strong results for Verstappen and Red Bull, as a fifth win at the Red Bull Ring might be in sight. However, he acknowledged that while other teams continue to introduce upgrades, he hopes the gap will close and that Red Bull can enjoy a stronger weekend in Austria.
“But for sure the team is always giving 100% and pushing flat out to make the car faster. But we also know that other teams are also constantly bringing upgrades. So we just need to always try and find a little bit more to try and close that gap. Which was quite clear, of course in Barcelona, there’s still a gap. So hopefully this weekend it can be a bit better.”
